Slash Your Electric Bill: Top Tips for a More Efficient Under-Counter Refrigerator
7 strategies to optimize your refrigerator's energy usage:
Let's face it, with a busy household gulping down food like there's no tomorrow, a reliable fridge is non-negotiable. But heating up that bill? Not so much. Here's how to keep your under-counter fridge running smoothly, all while saving you some hard-earned cash.
Sound advice comes our way from none other than Ryan Adnams, Miele kitchen whiz and Ati Harrogate's mastermind. Check out his no-nonsense guide below to ensure your fridge chills, without overheating your wallet.
1. Play It Cool: The Perfect Temperature
Cranking up the chill on your fridge might seem like a good idea, but it's an energy guzzler. Adnams recommends keeping your fridge between 34.5°F-41°F (3°C-5°C). This balance keeps your food fresh without wasting unnecessary energy.
Edison International tells us that setting your fridge 10°F cooler than necessary can consume up to 25% more energy, so stick to Adnams' timeless wisdom.
And remember, that little reminder to pop open the fridge door and forget to close it? It could be costing you more than just a cold draft – those unnecessary temperature changes force your fridge to work harder, which equates to wasted energy. Keep those doors closed, folks!
2. Fill 'er Up, Don't Stuff 'er
A fridge that's half-empty or overflowing isn't doing its job efficiently. Adnams suggests filling your fridge to about two-thirds, as this helps maintain consistent temperatures and reduces energy consumption. Going the other route and cramming your fridge can hinder airflow, forcing your fan and compressor to work harder, which ups energy consumption and shortens your appliance's lifespan.
3. Glass over Plastic: Storage Solutions
Don't be fooled by the sea of plastic containers in your fridge. Turns out glass is the superior storage solution. Glass absorbs and retains cold better than plastic, keeping the steady temperatures your fridge craves.
4. No Hot This, No Liquid That
Steam things up too fast in your fridge, and you'll have yourself a heating spree. Put hot food in your fridge, and you'll force it to work harder, using more energy to cool things down. Similarly, liquids increase moisture levels, straining your compressor and digging deeper into your electricity bill.
5. Making the Most of Your Space: Location, Location, Location
We all love the kitchen triangle, but some places are best left for the stove and sink. Adnams advises keeping your fridge away from heat sources like ovens and radiators. He also suggests ensuring there are at least 2 inches of space around your fridge for proper airflow. This design makes sure your fridge can release heat effectively and keep those cold temps steady.
6. Press Those Power-Saving Buttons
Chances are, your fridge is hiding a few tricks up its sleeve. Take a peek at the manual and see if your fridge has any energy efficiency functions. Some refrigerators have a power saver or vacation mode that can seriously slash your energy usage. So, next time you leave town, don't forget to put your fridge on a diet.
7. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning: A Refrigerator's Best Friend
Who doesn’t like a clean fridge, right? But it's not just about aesthetics - regular maintenance is crucial for your fridge's longevity. Cleaning the condenser coils and checking door seals can go a long way in keeping your fridge running at peak efficiency.
Leftover dust on the coils or damaged seals can cause your fridge to consume more energy than necessary. So grab that duster and give your fridge a bit of TLC.
Other Articles You Might Like:
- Tired of Funny Smells from Your Fridge? Here’s What to Do
- Upgrade Time: French Door vs. Side-by-Side Refrigerators - Which One's Right for You?
- Why Isn't My Refrigerator Cooling? Common Problems and How to Solve Them
Let's consider incorporating the given words ['lifestyle', 'food-and-drink', 'home-and-garden'] into two sentences that can be derived from the provided text.
- For a more energy-efficient lifestyle at home, adjust your food-and-drink storage by filling your fridge to about two-thirds, as recommended by Adnams, instead of overstuffing or leaving it half-empty.
- To upgrade your home-and-garden, you might find that high-quality glass containers, like those suggested for superior fridge storage, can also be used to elevate your food-and-drink presentation for a more stylish dining experience.
